Fillings are commonplace today at the dentist office. They are an early warning repair system for teeth that have suffered from cavities or decay. When performing a filling, the dentist first removes the bad part of your tooth that is decayed or suffering and then fills it with a durable “filling” which helps bacteria and other decay from attacking your teeth.
The materials used for fillings include porcelain, gold, silver, and a composite resin. All types of fillings have their positives and negatives. Besides cost, several factors come into play. Your reaction to different material, the shape of the tooth, extent of repair, and where the filling is needed will be determining factors as to what material is used with your filling.
If a cavity, decay, or even a crack has managed to damage a large area of the tooth, you may need a crown or a cap. If the decay has managed to get to the nerve, you may end up needing a root canal to get rid of the dead pulp. However, if you are fortunate enough that your tooth can be repaired by a filling, he will remove the cavity then fill the hole with a material listed above. Depending on your insurance and what you can afford, you can choose which one you want or take his recommendation. In most cases, porcelain or composite fillings will be recommended. Gold fillings are popular, although most people want a filling that will match the natural color of their teeth.
So here are the more common types of fillings:
The gold fillings that are used are made in a laboratory, then cemented into place by the dentist. Gold material fits well with the gums, and can last you for many years. Gold is considered by many to be the best and most durable, although it is also the most expensive and will require you to visit the dentist several times before the filling will be complete.
Silver fillings on the other hand, are less expensive than gold materials and they can be quite resistant to wear. With their color being dark, they are easier to notice than composite or porcelain fillings, and aren’t recommended for visible areas of the mouth, especially the front teeth.
Composite fillings are a common type of material, as they match the color of your teeth. The material that makes up the composite filling is mixed then placed directly in the cavity, where it hardens. They last several years, although composite isn’t recommended for large cavities, or areas where they may chip.
Porcelain fillings are popular as well as they can matched to the color of your teeth. They are fairly resilient but can be quite expensive at times.
Lastly, when it comes to getting your feelings, you won’t feel much as you will get novacain (general or local) so that when the fillings go in, you will not feel anything. Appointments typically last an hour, after which you will for the most part be able to lead your regular lives right after the appointment.
Want to find out more about dentists? Emil Benjamin writes often for dental office san diego as well as for dentist glendale california.